Paraag Marathe explains why Rangers are prioritising Celtic title battle over long-term planning

49ers Enterprises vice-chairman Paraag Marathe has offered an insight into the thinking behind the group’s approach at Rangers, admitting that the club’s immediate ambition to challenge Celtic has influenced its planning.

Marathe, who also serves as chairman of Leeds United, has outlined how the demands facing the two clubs differ despite both operating under the same investment group.

While Leeds must balance their ambitions in the Premier League against the threat of relegation, Rangers are focused on a more immediate objective: competing for the Scottish Premiership title and ending Celtic’s dominance.

Speaking at the Leaders Week conference organised by Leaders in Sport, Marathe explained that Rangers’ established position in Scottish football means their priorities are different from those at Elland Road.

He said the club’s planning is less centred on long-term development and more concerned with identifying what is required to win the league and overcome their Glasgow rivals.

Marathe acknowledged that the Old Firm rivalry plays a significant role in shaping Rangers’ objectives, given that Celtic and Rangers have traditionally been the leading contenders for domestic honours.

As a result, the club’s strategy involves concentrating on what can be achieved in the immediate future, with success against Celtic remaining a central consideration.

The situation at Leeds, however, presents a different set of challenges. Marathe pointed out that the possibility of dropping into the Championship creates additional uncertainty for clubs competing in the lower half of the Premier League.

That threat can influence recruitment, financial decisions and the wider direction of a club, making it more difficult to commit entirely to a long-term strategy.

The American businessman also reflected on the contrast between football in Europe and professional sport in the United States, admitting that the consequences of failure are considerably different.

During his 25 years working with the San Francisco 49ers, Marathe became accustomed to a sporting structure that can reward struggling teams with favourable draft selections.

In American football, a poor season can ultimately provide an opportunity to strengthen a franchise by securing a higher pick in the NFL Draft. That system can help teams rebuild and improve their prospects for future campaigns.

European football offers no comparable safety net. Relegation can bring significant financial consequences, while clubs competing for major honours face constant pressure to deliver results.

Marathe’s comments underline the different expectations placed on Rangers and Leeds, even though both clubs fall under the 49ers Enterprises umbrella.

At Ibrox, the priority is clear: Rangers must find a way to compete with Celtic and challenge for the biggest domestic prizes. At Elland Road, meanwhile, maintaining Premier League status remains an important consideration when determining the club’s long-term direction.